Packaging Technician

Tongaat; oThongathi; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Tongaat is seeking a Packaging Technician at Maidstone Mill to plan and coordinate maintenance on high-speed packaging machinery while upholding safety, quality and cost standards. The role supports continuous production flow and involves maintaining DCS/PLC systems, calibrating instruments, and implementing process improvements.

The successful candidate will have a strong maintenance background in FMCG packaging, with leadership qualities and a track record of solving problems in a

Qualifications

• Grade 12/N3 with relevant Trade Test Certificate.
• Minimum 5 years in Production Maintenance in FMCG packaging.
• Engineering exposure in high-volume packaging equipment; sugar industry experience preferred.
• Experience supervising a high-speed packaging line is advantageous.
• Knowledge of health and safety and labour legislation.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate maintenance on high-speed packaging machinery.
• Maintain safety, quality, delivery, cost and morale in Packaging dept.
• Undertake repairs during production to ensure continuous flow.
• Develop programs for new equipment and plants; maintain DCS/PLC systems.
• Calibrate instruments and maintain control gear to standards.
• Improve/ automate old manual processes; ensure compliance with ISO, HACCP, GMP, OSH & HSEQ.
• Shift work and standby duties on a rotational basis.

Skills

Maintenance planning

PLC/DCS

Instrumentation

Quality control

Leadership

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Grade 12/N3 + trade certificate

Tools

DCS/PLC systems

Job description

VACANCY

Site : Maidstone Mill

Job Title : Packaging Technician

Grade : C2

Reports to : Packaging Manager

Department : Packaging Station

Main purpose of the job

To plan and co-ordinate Maintenance on high-speed volume machinery, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Morale at Packaging department, in order to achieve the required standard of product quality, OEE and output in the most efficient and effective manner.

• Understanding of both Mechanical and Electrical maintenance of the packing machinery is essential.
• Effect high quality maintenance on high volume Packaging machinery and associated plant on a planned maintenance system within prescribed budgets.
• Undertake repairs on plant equipment during production operations and thereby ensuring continuous production flow
• Develop programs for new equipment and plants.
• Maintain DCS/PLC systems.
• Calibrate instruments, repair and maintain control gear and associated equipment to ensure operation within set standards.
• Maintain and improve existing systems, and Instrumentation networks (hardware and software) and perform changes/modifications as required.
• Improve/ automate old manual processes
• Ensure adherence to Tongaat Huletts policies, procedures and applicable SA legislation. i.e., ISO, OSH & HSEQ practices, SHEQ system requirements.
• Ensure that FSSC 22000 practices are maintained
• Work on a shift basis as and when required
• Carry out weekly Standby duties on a rotational basis

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12, N3 or more and relevant Trade Test Certificate.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Production Maintenance
• Minimum three years Engineering exposure in a FMCG environment involving high volume packaging machinery and associated equipment, preferably within the Sugar Industry / FPA.
• Experience of supervising and running a high-speed packaging line would be highly advantageous
• A superior performance track record indicating a disciplined work ethic with passion for maintaining quality
• Demonstrated understanding of relevant legislation, specifically health and safety and labour legislation
• Leadership ability (ability to lead the plant and will be required to act in supervisory role from time to time)
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to facilitate problem solving in a team forum
• High level of resilience and ability to operate in a high-pressure environment and maintain a high standard.
• Exposure to HACCP, GMP, ISO and OHS Act practices.
• Good engineering diagnostic abilities

Personal Qualities

• A team player, dedicated employee with good communication skills
• Innovative and proactive in identifying opportunities to improve processes and automation.

Closing Date: 21 August 2026

Please note that in terms of the company’s diversity and inclusion policy, this position has been bonded for employment equity candidates.